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Obesity

overweight and obesity have risen over time — after adjusting for differences in the age structure — from 57 per cent in 1995 to 63 per cent in 2011–12

according to the International Obesity Taskforce, by 2025 one in every three adults in the world will be obese if current trends continue

obesity was thought to be responsible for 7.5 per cent of the total burden of disease in 2003 (AIHW 2010)

obesity is often preventable. Through education and awareness it is possible for people to modify their lifestyle choices and maintain a healthy body weight.

Determinants that act as risk factors

Biological

age. As metabolism slows down with age, it becomes more difficult to maintain weight.

genetic predisposition. Some people may have a genetic predisposition for overweight or obesity.

basal metabolic rate (BMR). A lower BMR results in less energy being used and can therefore contribute to obesity.

hormonal disturbances. Hormones such as leptin contribute to appetite and fat distribution. Disturbances in the level of, or the body’s sensitivity to, these hormones can increase the risk of obesity.

Behavioural

lack of physical activity. Less energy is expended or burnt, which increases the risk of weight gain.

excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol contains kilojoules and therefore energy, which means it can increase the chances of an individual gaining weight.

consuming an energy-dense diet. Foods containing large amounts of fat and simple carbohydrates such as sugar contribute significant kilojoules to the body. Over time, if this energy is not expended, weight gain can occur.

Social

socioeconomic status. People of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be obese. This could be a result of lower levels of physical activity and a more energy-dense diet.

food security. People who can’t afford or can’t access a healthy food supply may rely on processed food, which tends to be higher in fat and sugar and low in fibre, therefore adding kilojoules to the diet.

stress. Eating may be a response to stress, which can contribute to weight gain.

early life experiences. Individuals who experience obesity in childhood have about an 80 per cent chance of being obese as adults. This may be due to the difficulty that some people face losing weight and changing the lifestyle behaviours that were learnt during childhood, such as dietary behaviours and physical activity patterns.

Physical Environment

access to recreation facilities. If individuals do not have access to recreation facilities such as cycling and walking paths, they may not have the same opportunities for physical activity as others. This can increase body weight and contribute to obesity.

work environment. A work environment that does not facilitate incidental physical activity, such as walking up and down stairs or walking around the office or factory, can increase the risk of obesity. For example, a work environment that has car parking next to the entrance, no stairs and a small office space can reduce the level of incidental physical activity and contribute to weight gain.

transport systems. Transport systems that foster passive methods of transport, such as car travel, can increase the risk of obesity. In one study, residents of New South Wales who drove to work were 13 per cent more likely than non-car commuters to be overweight or obese and significantly less likely to achieve recommended levels of physical activity (AIHW, 2010). Also, those lacking access to transport may find it difficult to access fresh fruit and vegetables, which can increase reliance on processed foods. This can increase the risk of obesity.

Costs

Direct

Obesity is a risk factor for other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. As a result, many of the direct costs associated with obesity are attributed to other conditions. For example, a person may suffer a heart attack and require an ambulance. Even though cardiovascular disease is directly responsible for the cost, obesity is the underlying cause.Other costs to the individual can include weight management plans and medication. These costs are incurred in an attempt to decrease body weight as opposed to treating related conditions.

As obesity is often related to other conditions, data concerning the direct cost of obesity to the health system and therefore the community are difficult to collect. One study estimated that the direct cost of obesity was $873 million in 2005 (Access Economics, 2008). This constitutes about 1.6 per cent of the total funds spent on diagnosing and treating all conditions.Obesity has become the focus of many health promotion programs in recent years, and this has also contributed to the direct costs associated with this NHPA.

Indirect

Indirect costs to the individual can be substantial. If a related condition develops, the person may not be able to work, which reduces income. They may have to employ someone to carry out home duties if their condition prevents them from performing such tasks.

The indirect costs of obesity to the community are considered to be significantly greater than the direct costs. According to Access Economics in its report The growing cost of obesity in 2008: three years on, some of the indirect costs of obesity include lost productivity ($3.6 billion), welfare and other government payments ($727 million), and the cost associated with providing allowances for carers ($1.9 billion).

Intangible

The intangible costs to the individual associated with obesity are considerable and include:the effects on mental health. Individuals who are obese may feel self-conscious about their appearance, which can result in reduced levels of self-esteem.sleep disturbances experienced due to related conditions, such as sleep apnoea. Excess weight can push the walls of the throat together, which can temporarily halt breathing. After a period of time, ranging from a few seconds to a minute, the person wakes up. This can occur hundreds of times a night and affects sleeping patterns.not being able to exercise at the intensity previously possible. Obesity causes reduced fitness levels due to an increase in tissues requiring oxygen and energy. This reduces the amount of oxygen and energy available to muscles for exercise.lack of energy to complete daily tasks. As energy levels decrease, household tasks such as shopping and household chores become increasingly difficult.the adjustments required to make dietary changes. Altering food intake can be difficult as new shopping and cooking routines and skills must be learnt. It may also take time for the individual to adjust to the taste of unfamiliar food. Intangible costs to the community associated with obesity include:anxiety and stress for family and friends if the individual is diagnosed with a condition related to their obesity such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseasefeelings of frustration for family and friends if they have to take time away from other activities to care for an individual who has developed an obesity-related condition.

Key Features

The presence of excess fat tissue in the body. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are the two most common measures to assess body weight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 ormore or a waist circumference of 88 for females and 102 for males.BMI= weight(kg)/height^2

Health Promotion Program

Measure Up campaign

What: is a social marketing campaign which aims to raise awareness of the healthy choices that can help protect people from chronic diseases, beginning with physical activity and healthy eating.